Five-level hybrid half-bridge/ANPC back-to-back converter

This paper presents a hybrid five-level back-to-back converter derived from the half-bridge and the active neutral point clamped (ANPC) topologies. The topology presents improved key characteristics such as: higher efficiency, reduced number of commutations, low total harmonic distortion (THD) and low weighted total harmonic distortion (WTHD). This proposal can be used in several applications, e.g. variable speed windmills with a Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) connected to the grid, as a high power AC drive, among others. Simulation and experimental results are provided to verify the satisfactory performance of the system.